Svetlana Masterkova was one of the world’s best female middle distance runners in the late 90s, but her career did not start well, as it was hampered by injuries. Masterkova made it to the 1991 World Championships, where she finished eighth in the 800, but that was her only major international event prior to the 1996 Olympics, due to injuries and childbirth. At the 1996 Olympics, Masterkova was not considered as the top favorite in the 800, with Maria Mutola and Ana Fidelia Quirot expected to battle for 800 gold. But Masterkova took the lead from the start, and led the entire race to become Olympic champion. After this surprise, Masterkova caused a major upset by also winning the 1,500 in a similar fashion, thereby equalling Tatyana Kazankina’s performance at the 1976 Olympics. She completed her season by setting two world records in the 1,000 metres (2:28.98) and mile (4:12.56). Masterkova missed the next season again due to injuries, but returned in 1998 to win a European 1,500 metre title. At the 1999 World Championships, Masterkova won the 1,500 title, but had to settle for a bronze in the 800. Masterkova also competed at the 2000 Olympics, but abandoned her 1,500 metre heat due to injury and retired from sports after the 2000 Olympics.
Personal Bests: 800 – 1:55.87 (1999); 1500 – 3:56.77 (1996).
Russian Federation